Factually! with Adam Conover

Our Politicians Are Too F*%#ing Old with Jake Grumbach

Oct 23, 2024

01:16:13

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Jake Grumbach, a political scientist from UC Berkeley and expert on American politics, dives into the issue of gerontocracy, revealing why our leaders often start their political careers at retirement age. He discusses the implications of aging politicians like Biden and McConnell on younger generations, critiquing the wealth and age dynamics in politics. Grumbach also highlights how gerrymandering and the two-party system limit representation, stressing the need for more diverse voices to address the frustrations of voters seeking genuine representation.

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Quick takeaways

The prevalence of gerontocracy in American politics leads to a disconnect between aging politicians and the needs of younger constituents.

The electoral system's preference for older, affluent candidates perpetuates a lack of diverse ideas and representation in government.

A revitalized labor movement could empower citizens and challenge existing power imbalances, fostering greater political engagement and representation.

Deep dives

The Impact of Age on American Politics

The episode highlights the issue of gerontocracy in the United States, specifically noting that politicians tend to remain in office well into their advanced years. Joe Biden, for instance, is pointed out as the oldest president to serve, and other politicians like Dianne Feinstein and Mitch McConnell illustrate the risks of maintaining long political careers despite declining health. The systemic nature of this problem becomes evident, as the median age of Congress members approaches 60, with a significant portion being over 70. This phenomenon raises questions about the effectiveness and representativeness of a government primarily led by older individuals.

Intro

2min

Aging Politicians and the Challenge of Gerontocracy

5min

Wealth, Age, and Political Power

15min

The Impact of Gerrymandering and Aging Politicians

5min

Aging Power: The Challenge of Gerontocracy in Politics

11min

Understanding the U.S. Two-Party System and Electoral Inequality

4min

Limitations of the Two-Party System

19min

Navigating American Democracy

18min

Revitalizing the Labor Movement for Democracy

4min

Why are so many of our politicians so old? While age can bring wisdom and experience, it can also result in leaders who are out of touch with their constituents or simply no longer effective at their job. This problem has a name: the gerontocracy. This week, Adam sits down with UC Berkeley associate professor Jake Grumbach to discuss why American politicians seem to really start their careers when they reach retirement age, and explore the other issues with our democracy that stem from the same problem. Find Jake's book at factuallypod.com/books

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